Save The Date Ideas

{image credit: Amy Bennett Photography}

This week I heard from #girlbossbride Erika who was in a panic. The hotels around her venue were booking up and with everyone traveling from out of town she needed Save The Date ideas, fast.

It’s no secret I love a gorgeous wedding stationery suite. Your Save The Date and invitation can totally set the tone for your celebration. They get your guests excited and tease a little bit of what is to come on the big day.

When you’re in a rush or want to keep your stationary expenses to a minimum there is a strategic way to come up with Save The Date ideas without limiting you to what you can do for the main invitation.

Save The Date ideas – The Who

I am not a believer in a B-list. In the age of social media, I just don’t think there is a gracious way to formally invite people at different times. If you are really trying to limit your final headcount my advice is to skip the save the date altogether. Privately let the people you absolutely want to be there know the date and details.

Then send your invitation to the whole list 9-11 weeks in advance. This is a little earlier than standard and gives everyone enough time to finalize their plans.

Save The Date ideas – The What

Keep it simple. When thinking of  Save The Date ideas fast you want it to be able to stand on its own but also seamlessly coordinate with the invitation you haven’t even given a thought to yet. Stick to one of these designs. I’m including links to my favorites from Minted below.

Photo Designs. If you had engagement photos taken this is where to use them.

Date Typography Designs. Have fun with your date in an impactful font.

Text. Use sweet words to fill the hearts of your guests. Spread the love.

Venue Location Designs. These can be skyline illustrations or photos of your venue. You can even use a photo of your general venue location, think a gorgeous sea-side sunset for waterfront wedding or a picture of foliage for a mountain wedding. Set a sense of place for the day.

{image credit; 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8}

Save The Date ideas – The When

I like to send Save The Dates around the 6-month mark. You can absolutely send them earlier. I would send any later than the 3-month mark. At that point, the invitation is nearly in the mail.

Save The Date ideas – The Why

The main reason to send is obviously to SAVE THE DATE. The other big thing to share is your room block. Just as #girlbossbride Erika found out the hotels around your venue can book up. Most room blocks close 30 days in advance of the wedding date so by the time guests get the invitation there isn’t much time for them to book.

Include the room block information with the Save The Date or include a link to your wedding website where you list all the details.

Save The Date Ideas – The How

This is one thing you really don’t need to overthink. Choose for my top 6 designs and cross it off your list before you go back to work Monday. You’ll even have time left to mix yourself a cucumber coconut splash